Guidance for Parents

At ProCo we understand that parents like to know what their children are doing whilst they train with us. We’ve created this page for you so that you can get a better understanding of your child’s development with us and the kind of thing they’ll be up to when they train with ProCo.
At ProCo we have small class sizes (maximum of 15 learners in a class), this allows learner more dedicated contact time with tutors.
We’ve explained a few things that parents ask about below – if there’s anything we haven’t answered on this page then please get in touch with us.

What is a study programme?

A study programme is a full-time course, for 16-18 year-olds, to gain a qualification and the right skill set to progress onto further study or employment. ProCo work alongside their learners to offer extra help, if it’s needed. We want to create every opportunity for your child to develop themselves and further their skill set.

Some of the extras we offer include:

Functional skills Maths and English (if required)

Employability

Work placement opportunities

Enrichment activities

Our learners are our ­first priority.
Our Learner Services aim to support learners in their studies and assist them in overcoming obstacles to success, achievement and progression.
Our friendly professional team can help your child find the information they need.
When your child enrols at ProCo he/she will be allocated a Learner Services Officer. Their Learner Services Officer will guide them through their course, support them through any difficult times and, above all, celebrate their successes.
The Learner Services Officer will help your child to settle into ProCo and monitor their progression during the course by conducting progress reviews. A progress review is a discussion between your child and their Learner Services Officer regarding their learning progress and any aspects that may be affecting their ability to achieve.
We also have a dedicated Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Officer who supports our learners with their career progression. Each child will have appointment with our IAG Officer to discuss their progress on course and talk through their career opportunities.
In addition to providing information, advice and guidance, the IAG officer organises mock interview days for all our learners to attend experience a real interview situation. Guest speaker events are also organised so our learners can find out about job opportunities in their chosen subject area and a chance to meet people working in the industry.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is the combining of practical work alongside study in a professional environment. Apprenticeships allow your child to work alongside experienced staff, gain work environment relevant skills, earn a wage and get holiday pay and study towards a relevant qualification. There are many different apprenticeships your child can apply for.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

There are many benefits to someone studying an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships make people more employable – the Apprentice will have learnt relevant skills on the job whilst contributing to the company’s workload. Apprentices are offered support whilst they come to grips with a new industry – you earn whilst you learn. Apprentices are proven to be more employable. Take a look at just some of the statistics below to see how the numbers stack up:

90% of apprentices stay in employment after finishing their apprenticeship (includes 2% self-employed)

71% of apprentices stay with the same employer

82% of apprentices said their apprenticeship had improved their ability to do the job

79% of apprentices said that their career prospects had improved

What can your child progress onto after an Apprenticeship?

A lot of the parents we talk to are concerned about the progression their child can make after completing an apprenticeship. We understand that you want the best for their future, and as such we’ve completed a list of some of the common routes our apprentices go down:

Stay in employment

Get promoted within the company they trained with

Go into higher education (earn a degree)

ProCo contact for parents

If you’d like to discuss with a member of our team the progress of your child, or if you have any concerns about their course then get in touch with us.